“Don’t Just Memorize Your Next Presentation — Know It Cold,”

 Thu 05 March 2020

You Can’t Over Prepare for a Presentation

" Writing a speech or presentation is challenging, and memorizing it takes even more time and effort. But whether you’re speaking at a conference, setting a direction for your team, or persuading upper management to green-light an idea, it’s important to know your presentation cold.

(1) Transitions can be especially tricky, so break your talk into sections and REHEARSE  the SHIFTS  between the sections. Note any troublesome segues and practice them repeatedly.

(2)  Then, spend time each day MEMORIZING your speech. You might consider recording  and listening to it whenever you’re driving, exercising, or running errands. Or you can rehearse a portion of your script right before bedtime or multitask as you brush your teeth.

(3) Finally, have a plan for any slip-ups. Prepare two or three go-to phrases, such as, “Let me refer to my notes,” or “I’m struggling to remember my next point. Let me take a moment and step back.” The lapse will be less awkward for everyone when you don’t panic and do what you need to move on.

This tip is adapted from “Don’t Just Memorize Your Next Presentation — Know It Cold,” by Sabina Nawaz